Airport authority raises tie-down fee to $75 and doubles end-unit rents

The Coffee Airport Authority approved two fee changes affecting airport tenants: a raise in monthly tie-down rates from $50 to $75 with a one-year review, and a motion to double rents on end-unit T-hangar storage spaces.

Katie, who surveyed surrounding airports, reported tie-down comparators including Murfreesboro at $77 and Lewisburg at $55 (single) or $75 (twin). She said the airport currently has about 30 people on a waiting list for tie-downs and recommended the board consider higher pricing. "Our current rate is $50... Murfreesboro is sitting at 77," Katie said during the survey summary.

A motion to increase tie-downs to $65 with a one-year review was proposed, then amended on the floor and passed by voice vote to set the new rate at $75. Staff noted they must provide 30–60 days' notice to existing lessees based on current lease terms.

Separately, the board moved and seconded to double the rent for end units (the small storage areas adjacent to some T-hangars) after staff noted some end units remained unclaimed and others have been used as car or equipment storage. The motion was approved by voice vote.

Members also discussed whether to offer a discounted rate for the DC-3 (a nonprofit attraction occupying two tie-down spots). The board elected to keep the DC-3 charge at $100 (covering two spots) for now and to revisit the discount after the aircraft's FAA certificate issues are resolved.

Next steps: staff will issue notices required under existing lease terms to tenants affected by the tie-down increase and will update lease materials to reflect the new end-unit pricing.